The Prime Minister's Literary Awards celebrate outstanding literary talent in Australia and the valuable contribution Australian literature and history makes to the nation's cultural and intellectual life.

2018–19 Budget—Communications and the Arts Portfolio

Our Secretary

Mike Mrdak is Secretary, Department of Communications and The Arts, a position he has held since September 2017. He previously held the position of Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development since 2009.

He was appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday 2016 honours list for his distinguished service to public administration in transport, logistics and infrastructure investment.

In November 2013, Mike received the Federal Government Leader of the Year Award recognising his outstanding leadership and work on major infrastructure projects including the duplication of the Pacific and Hume Highways.

Between March 2008 and June 2009 he was Deputy Secretary (Governance), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. During this time he was appointed Commonwealth Coordinator-General.

Between March 2005 and March 2008 he was Deputy Secretary, Department of Transport and Regional Services, providing policy advice across major infrastructure projects, transport security, and maritime, vehicle and road safety standards.

Mike began his Australian Public Service career in 1988 as a Graduate with the then Department of Transport and Communications.

Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of New England in 1987 and gained post graduate qualifications including a Graduate Diploma in Education in 1987 and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Economics from the University of Canberra in 1992.